I read a fanfiction (super good go read, it's a Clive x reader, I shamelessly put Mary in readers shoes when it fit hehe) It made me think a lot about Clive´s (and Mary´s) life once he gets out of jail since it dealt with the topic quite well.
Finally he's out, free at last reunited with his friends and family but what now? Clive would never get a job with a criminal record like that. So much for becoming a journalist. Mary would have to work full time. He'd feel super guilty. Most of his fortune has probably either been spent already on future London/ the mobile fortress or used to repair the damage he has caused.
It would take him years to a job, he'd stay at home a lot. Probably developing into a proper home husband along the way.
Marriage? Mary taking on his last name? Do you have any idea how many compliactions and prejudices she would receive if she were to have the last name of THE known terrorist in London? Let´s hope her work place wouldn't kick her out.
And I haven't even talked about people recognising him on the street. His face was all over the news. Just imagine someone screaming and crying at him for killing their family and friends. Clive just standing there completly caught off guard having to face his fears and guilt, not really knowing what to do but to apologize over and over...And then more come and shout at him, a mass of people circling him..
...Mary comforting him after that. Clive saying it's alright, it happens, he deserves it. With a sad, comforting smile... Mary starting to cry. Because she can´t stand seeing him being treated like that and acting like it´s ok... and his facade crumbles because Mary never cries. Them hugging each other tightly... holding onto each other for hours...
Getting out of prison isn't all flowers and sunshine.